Combine Results

Grade

4.86 SEC

19 REPS

35.5 INCH

118.0 INCH

6.78 SEC

4.20 SEC

Draft Analysis:

"This will be interesting to see how he's used. I liked him better as an outside linebacker. He led the NCAA in sacks (15 in 2013), but he's not an explosive dynamic pass rusher. But he's relentless." -- Charles Davis

6'5" Height

33 7/8" Arm Length

250LBS. Weight

11 1/8" Hands

Overview

High school defensive end-tight end who also played basketball and ran track as a prep in Arizona, where he won a state championship. Redshirted in 2009. Appeared in two games in '10 and made two tackles, one for loss and one sack before a broken foot sidelined him. In '11, started all 13 games at outside linebacker in the Cardinal's 3-4, tallying 40-10-6.5 with a pass breakup. Started all 14 games at OLB in '12 and totaled 56-18-10 with four pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble. Led the nation in sacks in '13 when he started all 14 games at OLB and registered 62-23.5-15 with six pass breakups, an interception return for a touchdown, two forced fumbles and a blocked kick. Also was used with his hand in the dirt in nickel. Team captain.

Analysis

Strengths

Naturally big-boned with a good frame to add bulk if desired. Very good instincts. Above-average athlete -- bends fairly well. Massive mitts (11 1/8 inches) measured bigger than any other player at the combine. Good hand use -- can jolt blockers with his punch. Controls the line of scrimmage and consistently outleverages tight ends. Very physical re-routing tight ends at the line. Outstanding motor and sack production -- led the country in sacks (15) as a senior. Tough, smart and hardworking with a throwback personality. Leader vocally and by example. Will hold teammates accountable and represent the program with class.

Weaknesses

Very average weight-room strength. Underdeveloped upper body. Can be folded and neutralized by down blocks against more physical blockers (see Notre Dame). Cannot square up and play honest vs. top power. Has coverage limitations -- is tight and late to transition. More natural moving forward than in reverse. Coverage limitations show up vs. backs. Can be stressed vs. speed in the open field.

Draft Projection

Rounds 2-3

Bottom Line

As a base end in an even front or a LOLB in an odd front, Murphy's instincts, motor and toughness are what define his success and could allow him to eventually become a double-digit sack producer in the pros. Will require a few years to adapt to the speed of the NFL game.
-Nolan Nawrocki